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MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) – The Nassau County SPCA is offering $1,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction in connection with the death of an 8-week-old kitten.

The injured kitten was found on July 30 in Massapequa where a resident was working with All About Spay Neuter, Inc. on a Trap, Neuter and Return project for feral cats on Sunset Boulevard.

The kitten was finally caught and taken to the vet on Aug. 2, where it was discovered that it had been shot with a pellet gun, officials said.

“The kitten was shot on the left side and about midway back and the pellet was actually lodged up against its spine,” Gary Rogers, spokesman for the Nassau County SPCA, told 1010 WINS. “It caused the cat to be paralyzed and lose bladder control.”

Due to the nature of its injuries, Rogers said the kitten had to be humanely euthanized.

The SPCA said it’s a violation of New York State animal cruelty laws to cause harm to feral cats or trap them and abandon them at another location.

Rogers said authorities are now trying to find the person or persons responsible.

“We need the community’s help,” he said. “The people who live here need to ask themselves, if they know about it, is this what they want in their community.”

Anyone with information is urged to call the Nassau County SPCA at 516-THE-SPCA. All calls will be kept confidential.